Hokies Journal: October 4, 2009 - October 10, 2009

At 6:45 on Monday mornings in the fall, Virginia Tech players gather and watch film of the previous weekend’s game. Before the Hokies’ 3:15 practice Monday afternoons, the players already have packets, perhaps 40-pages long, on their next opponent. But...

With a 34-0 halftime lead, Virginia Tech seemed well on its way to a win over Boston College. With a big-play offense and a menacing defense, the Hokies looked convincing in the opening half. And the numbers were startling for...

Game day is here. Now here are your links to get Saturday started. Having exceeded expectations, the Boston College Eagles are learning as they go when it comes to a living up to newfound hope for their season. Their meeting...

Dave Shinskie is Boston College’s true freshman quarterback. He is 25 years old. “I don’t get treated any differently, but I don’t treat them any differently,” Shinskie said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “They’re athletes, and I’m an athlete. We’re...

Can’t get enough Virginia Tech football? Of course you can’t. In addition to reading about the team on Hokies Journal, you can listen me discuss it on the air over the next couple of days. This morning at 11:15, I'll...

Pick a winner, and leave your thoughts on the game in the comments. Who Will Win Saturday's Game? Virginia Tech in a blowout Virginia Tech in a close game Boston College in a close game Boston College in a blowout...

Happy Friday. Here are your morning links. With its 4-1 start, Boston College is making the so-called experts look foolish. The Boston Globe reports on ESPN analyst Andre Ware, who said the Eagles would have a tough time beating Northeastern...

The fact that Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich is battling cancer is the first and only thing many casual college football fans know about him. But before the diagnosis, those who followed the sport knew Herzlich as a ferocious player....

Since joining the ACC in the 2005 season, Boston College has handled Virginia Tech during the regular season. The Eagles are 3-1 against the Hokies in those games. “They’ve had a lot of success against us, for whatever reason,” defensive...

Have a question about Virginia Tech? Maryland? Virginia? Navy? Do you want to discuss how Louisiana State will stack up against Florida (with or without Tim Tebow)? The Post is holding an online college football chat at 1:30 p.m. on...

It's Thursday, and on a college campus, that means the weekend is here. So be happy about that, and enjoy some of these links. Heather Dinich of ESPN.com ranks Boston College as the top team in the ACC's Atlantic Division....

After Virginia Tech’s 34-26 win over Duke on Saturday, defensive coordinator Bud Foster said he was disappointed that senior leaders did not step up and keep the Hokies’ focused during a practice week that he described as “laissez faire.” While...

Defensive tackle John Graves, who has missed some time with a sprained ankle, said Tuesday that his ankle was improving. “I’m feeling a lot better thanks to Mike Goforth and the training staff,” Graves said. “I’ve been feeling pretty great.”...

Virginia Tech’s defense faces renewed questions about its susceptibility to long gains, but it has had to carry on with one of its best players, cornerback Stephan Virgil, still battling with a knee injury. While Virgil, a senior, played 71...

Last year, Virginia Tech’s Darren Evans and Boston College’s Mark Herzlich were the stars of their respective football teams as Hokies beat the Eagles, 30-12, in the ACC championship game. At Saturday’s game between the Hokies and Eagles, both players...

Wednesday is here, which means we are on the week's down-slope toward Saturday's meeting between No. 5 Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0) and Boston College (4-1, 2-1). While this game also marks the midpoint of the season, it could serve as...

Before the season, Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor talked about wanting to improve his pocket presence. And early this season, he seemed hesitant to run as he tried to make plays with his arm. On Monday, Mike O’Cain, the Hokies'...

Tuesday means one thing: news conferences, and lots of 'em. Virginia Tech will have four players and Coach Frank Beamer on the dais to answer questions. You can read the stories here later. But in the meantime, here is some...

With his speed and athleticism, David Wilson gained attention and turned heads during preseason practices. And with a 165-yard rushing performance against Marshall on Sept. 12, Wilson appeared on his way to making a statement in his freshman season. But...

Last week, the Associated Press poll was scrambled as four top-10 teams lost. Perhaps the only eyebrow-raising movement in this week’s AP poll was how Virginia Tech leapfrogged Boise State. The Hokies (4-1) jumped ahead of the undefeated Broncos (5-0)...

Tyrod Taylor has built his career at Virginia Tech on his running ability, yet before the start of this season, he talked about wanting to throw the ball more. On Saturday, Taylor gave his most impressive example of how he...

Ryan Williams was named Virginia Tech’s starting running back before the season opener and has starred in the leading role. David Wilson received attention in the preseason and showed promising signs early. Josh Oglesby was the forgotten member of the...

After an unconvincing 34-26 win over Duke, Virginia Tech's players and coaches said the Blue Devils were much improved. Whether that is the case is yet to be determined, but the Hokies next opponent, Boston College, has already proven that...